A nurse is providing teaching to a client following surgery to repair a detached retina of the left eye. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

Choice A reason: Percussion precedes palpation to assess abdominal resonance and organ size without altering bowel motility. Performing it last risks inaccurate findings, as palpation may stimulate peristalsis, changing resonance patterns. This sequence ensures reliable detection of abnormalities like organomegaly or fluid accumulation in the abdomen.
Choice B reason: Auscultation is done before palpation to capture natural bowel sounds. Manipulation during palpation can alter peristalsis, affecting auscultatory findings. Early auscultation ensures accurate detection of hypoactive or hyperactive bowel sounds, critical for diagnosing conditions like ileus or obstruction in abdominal assessments.
Choice C reason: Palpation is the final step, following inspection, auscultation, and percussion, to assess for tenderness or masses. This sequence prevents manipulation from altering earlier findings, ensuring accurate identification of abdominal abnormalities like peritonitis or organ enlargement, critical for a comprehensive physical examination.
Choice D reason: Inspection is the first step, providing a visual baseline of abdominal appearance, such as distension or scars. Performing it last misses initial cues guiding subsequent steps. Early inspection ensures no manipulation affects visual assessment, vital for identifying external signs of underlying abdominal pathology.

Choice A reason: Instructing the client to shower and change clothes is inappropriate, as it may destroy forensic evidence critical for legal proceedings. Evidence preservation is a priority post-sexual assault, and showers are delayed until after forensic examination, making this intervention incorrect and potentially harmful.
Choice B reason: Asking for details about the assault can retraumatize the client and is not the nurse’s role immediately post-assault. Trained forensic examiners or counselors handle such discussions sensitively. This action risks emotional harm and is inappropriate for initial care, making it incorrect.
Choice C reason: Reassuring the client that injuries are not life-threatening may minimize their trauma and emotional distress. The focus should be on emotional support and safety, not downplaying injuries, which may be perceived insensitively. This intervention is inappropriate for trauma-informed care, making it incorrect.
Choice D reason: Limiting staff members providing care reduces the client’s exposure to multiple providers, minimizing retraumatization and ensuring consistency. This trauma-informed approach fosters trust and safety post-sexual assault, aligning with best practices for psychological support, making it the correct intervention.